Bug Spray Destories Bike Gear/Clothing?

Looking for a bug spray I can use that won't destroy my bike clothing. I read the bottles of most bug sprays and they say "use only on cotton, wool, or nylon." The can then says "DON'T use on spandex, rubber, [etc.]...."

I can tell you from my experience with climbing and ropes that "DEET" which is the active ingredient that really works best for repellant (probably repels your health too) will break down nylon. Obviously its a real no-no for climbing ropes slings etc. Some repellants do not contain DEET. I cant speak for how well they will work or what else is in them but DEET and Nylon dont mix!

There is a small but growing selection of bug repellents that don't have deet. Many of them are labeled as "organic" or something similar, but the key is they don't have deet. I have tried one that worked decent, but I don't remember what it was.

I don't think a slightly weaker bug spray would be a problem on the trail if you are moving. Maybe when you get to camp you can use other products to keep the bugs away, such as citronella candles, etc

Take a look at "OFF Clean Feel"

Originally Posted by CU-Murph

Looking for a bug spray I can use that won't destroy my bike clothing. I read the bottles of most bug sprays and they say "use only on cotton, wool, or nylon." The can then says "DON'T use on spandex, rubber, [etc.]...."

I've seen helmets "melt" from bug spray.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

It claims not to melt watch crystals, nylon, etc. It seems to work as advertised, but I am still afraid to spray it on lycra. I spray it on my skin and let it dry before putting on lycra and it hasn't caused a problem, even if I sweat. It causes me to have a bad coughing spell if I inhale any while applying.

i just returned from the boundary waters in minnesota and tried the pacaidin cutter stuff..... no good... i would put it on and in 15 minutes have swarms covering me. i would blast the 100% deet and it would last 2 hours.

Thanks. But need stuff that will repel ticks, too. They are BAD down here. Guess I just have to move faster.

Yeah, seriously, just keep moving. I don't see much need for bug spray on a bike. I suppose if you have problems with the tiny deer ticks though. If you must have it on for ticks, just use it on your socks, not your bare skin.... maybe get some taller socks.

In my experience the "hippy" brands of bug spray have little to no effect. The picaridin works, but only for a limited amount of time, an hour or so. Still, better then risking cancer and nerve damage.

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I have a car. I made a choice. I ride my bike.

QVC sells a clip on bug repellent that apparently works great. Just clip it on your shirt and off you go, and it doesn't have DEET.

I think that's one of those tiny electronic things that emits a high-frequency sound that's supposed to be inaudible to humans. I bought a couple locally a few years ago and I could very much hear the f'ers.

I think that's one of those tiny electronic things that emits a high-frequency sound that's supposed to be inaudible to humans. I bought a couple locally a few years ago and I could very much hear the f'ers.

Back-in-the-day I bought via mail order a high-frequency sonic insect repellent device. I was working on a survey crew and our job was in big, irrigated pasture. There were a trillion mosquitoes, but because I had my sweet new device I abstained from the requisite whole-body dose of Cutter's. I proudly showed off my gizmo to the other surveyors, turned the switch to "on," and hopped out of the survey truck. Within about four seconds I was covered from top to bottom and about a hundred of those little f***ers bit me all at the same time.